kevinyang’s review published on Letterboxd:
First half is frequently gorgeous, and an undeniable feat of directing, cinematography, and production design that intimately understand the film's setting. Everything's right around the corner, or just next door, many of the interactions surface level and fleeting but nevertheless teeming with life. The surrealist, spectral elements introduced upfront feel right at home as well - and Guadagnino continues to shoot male bodies with an impeccable lens.
But then we have the puzzling second half, which I realize must find its roots in the source material, but ultimately whose goals feel disconnected from its characters in ways that undercut the film's setup. Craig is a force throughout, but Starkey's character fades, and you're left with abrasive fantasy sequences that continually up the style ante without a guiding emotional anchor. The first half probably needed to go somewhere, but I wish the film went anywhere else.
GRADE: B-
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